Getting Out of Check and Checkmate

Start Here beginner branch

When a king is in check, you must fix it right away by moving the king, capturing the checker, or blocking the line if that works.

Why This Matters

You may never ignore check. Your very next move must make the check disappear.
There are only three rescue ideas: move the king, capture the checker, or block the line if the attacker slides.
If none of those work, the position is checkmate, not just check.

Use the three rescue ideas: move the king, capture the checking piece, or block the check.
Explain that every legal reply to check must make the attack disappear.
Tell the difference between check and checkmate.

Step 0 of 3

Try to play move 1:(Expected idea from lesson line)

Find the move yourself — the answer stays hidden until you solve it or reveal it.

Practice 1 of 4

White to move. Find checkmate in one.

Practice 2 of 4

Only one rescue works here. Move the king so the check disappears.

Practice 3 of 4

Capture the checking rook with your bishop.

Practice 4 of 4

The rook's line can be blocked. Slide your bishop in the way.

White starts in check. Try legal replies only, and notice that any move which does not fix the check is rejected.

Print one board per step to review the full sequence offline.